Track assembly having moveable fastening mechanism

Abstract

An automated fastening apparatus that includes a moveable fastening device. The fastening device is preferred provided on a platform that is moveably mounted to a linearly disposed track. A drive mechanism moves the platform and fastening device along at least a portion of the track. A non-moveable fastening device and/or multiple moveable fastening devices may be provided. Portable and non-portable embodiments are disclosed as well as tilt control, electronic sensors and firing interval selection, amongst related features.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A portable automated fastening apparatus, comprising: 
       a first linearly disposed track and a second linearly disposed track, said first and second tracks being arranged in a substantially parallel manner and having lengths approximately two times or more the height of said fastening apparatus;  
       a first handle provided at a first end of said tracks and a second handle provided at an opposing end of said tracks, wherein said tracks and said handles are arranged such that in use for fastening sheeting to a frame, said tracks are disposed in a substantially horizontal manner relative to one another and said first and second handles permit a first user and a second user, respectively positioned at the first and second handles, to move the tracks in and out of position over sheeting to be fastened to a frame;  
       a platform configured for low friction movement along said tracks and a fastener emitting device provided on said platform;  
       a drive mechanism for controllably and automatically driving said platform and fastener emitting device along said tracks;  
       a control circuit provided in at least one of said handles and coupled to said drive mechanism for controlling the automatic movement of said platform and the firing of said fastener emitting device;  
       a user interface provided in at least one of said handles and coupled to said control circuit to permit a user to operate said control circuit.  
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising sensors coupled to said control circuit that detect when to emit or not to emit a fastener from said fastener emitting device. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising a firing guide mechanism distributed proximate at least a portion of one of said tracks in a substantially linear manner and having a plurality of detectable elements that are detectable by said sensors. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said detectable elements are disposed at uniformly spaced intervals. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said control circuit is configured such that a user may select, via said user interface, which of the detectable elements, detected by said sensors, instigate discharge of a fastener from said fastener emitting device. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said driving mechanism includes a rotating drive shaft. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said driving mechanism includes a friction drive. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising electronic sensors coupled to said control logic that determine where to start or stop movement of said fastening device along said track. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising electro-optic sensors coupled to said control logic that detect when to emit a fastener from said fastener emitting device. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a fastening device that in use is coupled to said tracks in a non-movable manner. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a second fastening device that in use is coupled to said track in an automatically moveable manner.